Over 480 British Columbians received organ transplants in 2024

Hundreds of life-saving organ donations were made in British Columbia last year.

A joint statement from the Provincial Health Services Authority, B.C. Transplant, and the Ministry of Health, stated that 209 organ donors were able to save 481 British Columbians in 2024.

Those included 309 kidney, 92 liver, 47 lung, 25 heart, and 13 pancreas and islet transplants.

The organs came from 118 deceased donors and 90 living donors.

“Organ donation is the ultimate act of selflessness and generosity,”Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, said.

“Living donors who choose to undergo surgery to save someone’s life, and the deceased donors and their families who make this selfless decision during their grief are profoundly inspiring. We also recognize all the incredible health care professionals who support organ donation and transplantation across our province.”

B.C. Transplant noted 44 deceased British Columbians had either consented themselves or received permission to have their organs donated by a family member, but they were unfortunately not suitable for transplants.

The organization added 2024 saw the milestone of 11,000 organ transplants surpassed, marking significant gains since the first transplant in B.C. was done in 1968.

British Columbians can register to be an organ donor online. People in the province will also see a box they cancheck to be an organ donor on their annual tax return.

“We need to be flexible and innovative to evolve and continue the important work of ensuring every family has the right to consider organ donation at the end of life,” Dr. Sean Keenan, provincial medial director of donation services at B.C. Transplant, said.

“To help normalize conversations about organ donation, we are partnering with the Canada Revenue Agency on a new public awareness initiative this spring.”